Henry Winkler Takes On First Nude Scene at 79
Henry Winkler, now in his late 70s, continues to embrace new challenges. He recently shared his experience filming his first nude scene on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” at the age of 79.
Winkler expressed his excitement about working with Maya Rudolph, whom he praised as “amazing.” When she invited him to be part of the opening episode of the third season of “Spoils of War,” he accepted without even glancing at the script.
During fittings for the show, Rudolph pointed out her outfit, which included a silk robe that left little to the imagination. “I was shocked,” Winkler admitted. “There was nothing else.” His initial reaction was a resounding “No, no, no,” but the crew reassured him, “No, there’s jewelry.”
He recounted an amusing yet chilly experience filming on a beach in January, where the wind seemed to come from every direction. “It was so cold. I was in shock,” he recalled, adding that being with Rudolph and the talented cast helped ease his nerves.
In the series, Winkler plays Gerald Canning, an eccentric billionaire who owns a nudist island. The premiere promises a dose of humor and heart, showcasing Winkler’s signature charm.
Rudolph, who serves as both star and executive producer, humorously noted that the cast members who appeared nude wore “nude-colored sports shorts.” She reflected on the mixed feelings behind the scenes, mentioning that some cast members were more willing to fully embrace nudity than others. “I felt very guilty,” she said, recalling how most of the actors were over 70.
Winkler first gained fame as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on “Happy Days,” a role he played for ten years across 255 episodes. More recently, he gained recognition as acting coach Jean Cousineau in HBO Max’s “Barry,” a performance that earned him his first Emmy Award in 2018. Before this win, he had received nominations for various roles throughout his career.
Reflecting on his journey, Winkler emphasized the importance of being true to oneself and acknowledging one’s abilities. He likened his Hollywood career to a growing tree, expressing gratitude for all it has become. “What a great tree it is,” he noted.
